I know we just got back from our summer vacation, but according to our calendar, school around here starts in about four weeks. Time to get my head out of the stand (literally and figuratively!) and start thinking about back-to-school shopping.
Lucky for me, I recently participated in a virtual briefing session with style experts from Carter’s to learn more about kids’ fall fashion trends and style ideas. I admit to being completely blown away by all the thought and effort Carter’s puts into their collections.
But I guess it’s not surprising, considering Carter’s is the largest brand marketers of young children’s apparel in the United States, selling more than 400 million pieces of children’s clothes each year, and is the go-to, trusted brand for so many parents, including me.
Both Mimi and Buddy came home from the hospital in Carter’s outfits, and as a mom, I have always appreciated how their clothes are well-made, affordable, and age-appropriate — something I am thankful for, now that I have a little girl. Carter’s silhouettes are modest and tasteful, and nothing is too garish or “tween-looking.”
One exciting piece of news I learned from Carters: they are now offering sizes 7-12 in select stores, which is such a lovely coincidence, since Buddy was literally just about to size out of Carter’s clothes!
Here are some of the fall fashion trends for kids this year:
1. Activewear/”Athletic Leisure”
I was so excited to hear Carter’s was devoting much of their fall collection to activewear, because Buddy flat-out refuses to wear pants with buttons and zippers; he prefers his clothes to look like something he could play soccer in.
Mimi, on the other hand, cares much more about fashion (as much as a 3-year-old can), but she is VERY particular about how clothes fit her. If they’re too snug or “not comfy,” she will throw a threenager tantrum. So I’ve learned dresses and cotton stretch pants are the way to go with her.
And I’m guessing I’m not alone. The Carter’s activewear/athletic line includes mesh fabrics in shorts and synthetic applications in tops, and fun graphics with positive messages. You can seamlessly add them to your child’s existing wardrobe and they are really versatile and easy to layer for fall. Talk about a win-win!
2. Camo
Another score for Buddy, who adores anything with camoflage. Mimi, on the other hand, has decreed camo to be “boys clothes.” Which is a shame, considerng Carter’s has so many cute and functional camo items for both boys and girls this fall. The collection screams for mixing and matching, either with bright colors for boys, or mixing with florals for girls (a look I love!).
3. Tomboy chic
Sort of playing off the camo look, the tomboy chic collection is also about the mix and match — taking something athletic (and comfy!!) and giving it a girly twist. Now THIS is something I can sell to Mimi. Think sweatshirts with floral leggings, military jackets with floral vintage print on the side, and cuffs turned back on sweatshirts.
4. Vintage prints
Another win for my little girly-girl! The vintage prints collection includes smaller, sweeter graphics (think ponies, puppies, cats, flowers — things many little girl love to wear). And they go really well with both the tomboy and camo looks, too!
5. Fresh plaids
I love a bright plaid on a little boy; I remember these were my go-tos for Buddy for school photos and holidays. This fall, Carter’s is taking the traditional plaid and giving it a little twist to feel fresh and new, especially with their color selections. So cute.
As if these clothes weren’t cute enough, Carter’s is having one pretty amazing sale as we speak. The entire store is 40% off until August 5 (both in-stores and online)! Everything is included!
And to top it off, there’s even a 20% off coupon you can use as well.
We took advantage of this sale and stocked up on some super cute back-to-school gear for the kids.
Um, how perfect is this shirt for my dinosaur-loving son? Especially when paired with coordinating (elastic waist) cargo pants.
And what boy doesn’t love a hoodie sweatshirt?
For Mimi, we went with the tomboy chic, mix-and-match look, pairing a striped tunic sweatshirt with floral leggings.
We also purchased this cute little dress.
And this sweatshirt, which pairs nicely with the floral leggings.
And if the sale and coupon weren’t enough …
To help you get a head start on your back-to-school shopping, Carter’s has offered to give one $50 gift card to a Keeping Mommy Sane reader! Please use the entry form below. This giveaway ends August 4 at 12:01 a.m. ET. Good luck – and happy shopping!
I was provided compensation in exchange for sharing this information and hosting a giveaway. All opinions expressed here are, as always, my own.
Mary Happymommy says
I like the camo trend.
Sara hammer says
I am so excited that Carters has the bigger sizes now too!!! I love their athleisure line- can’t wait to shop now! 😉
Jessica says
Loving the vintage prints. My pink-loving girl will be super excited.
Kelly D says
I like the vintage prints trend, I think it would be cute for my daughter.
Jenna O says
I love the camo trend!
Jacqui says
Love the active line, my toddler will love this for sports days at school!
Kelly says
Love Carters Jammies!!
HS says
Camo trend is great.
Jen says
I love Carters. Soft and durable ! I have always been a fan. I buy the brand for my kids and many others as gifts.
Mandy says
We love Carter’s stuff around here, too! Will have to do a stock up trip soon for my oldest for the fall.
Natalie f says
I love the Fresh plaids, would be so cute on my boy. I can’t wait to head to Carters, thanks for the coupon.
Liz says
I love the Tomboy Chic!! Perfect for my tough little girlie girl!!
Heather y says
Tomboy chic! My little one is turning one and loves to do everything her brother does… Certainly a tomboy!
alaine says
I am most excited about plaids! So cute.
Kristen says
I like the plaids.
Rachel anderson says
I like the camo…could be the redneck in me, lol
Amanda Buccieri says
I’m excited about the camo trend!!!
Lisa says
I’m most excited about the vintage prints trend!
Erin Ellis says
I am most excited about the tomboy chic trend! Thank you for the wonderful giveaway.
Erin
Kim says
About 95% of my girl’s clothes are from Carter’s! They have great sales too!
Mary Larsen says
my kid LIVES in activewear! So glad it continues to be a hit at carters
Heather @ Kraus House Mom says
We love the skirt and legging look around here.
Jillian T says
I’m most excited out the plaid trend. I love the Plaid All Star oufit.
Michelle J. says
I love the bigger sizes because that is what my son needs.
Rebecca Parsons says
I am most excited about the vintage collection from Carter’s.
shelly peterson says
I like the Fresh Plaids trend.
jenn mcclearn says
I love the vintage prints, would love the poplin dress for my little girl 🙂
Jessica Morrison says
I am loving the camo trend too!
Ashley C says
I’m really excited about the camo trend for girls!
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
Jane - Mom Generations says
As a first-time mom, whenever anyone asks me where they should go shopping for Brian, I say CARTER’S! Love, love, love everything about their clothes!
Jane - Mom Generations says
Oh, and Brian is totally an Activewear boy all the way!
Jennifer (robbins) A. says
I am most excited about “vintage prints”! : )
Amanda Whitley says
i like the Mr. Camo outfit!
Ida Mae says
I like the hooded sweatshirts. My boys like to layer.
Ashley Hewell says
I like the leggings.
latanya says
I like the camo trend
Jessica Beard says
I like the Camo trend.
Lori says
I love the tunic and legging look! Thanks for the opportunity to win a great prize!
Kenia says
I love the camo trend.
Tina Reynolds says
I love the plaids trend so darn cute
Stephanie Znoj says
I love the vintage collection
Sarah Hayes says
i love the vintage prints
meredith says
I like the camo for my little one! thanks for the chance
christine j says
I love the new camo collection!
T Michelle Trump says
I love the tomboy chic!
kenny hall says
Love the layered look for fall.
Gina M (Wild Orchid) says
I like the boys plaid trend.
Entered the rafflecopter form as “Wild Orchid”
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
Denise konkel says
We are huge fans of the Camo.
Harmony B says
Love the camo and plaids too